CHAPTER TWO
There was this odd tension that was in the Cody home and Jessica could feel every ounce of it. It wasn't only between she and Smurf, it was between Smurf and the boys. J just seemed confused on everything like he was looking to solve the puzzle that he had been trying to complete since she got there. Craig and Deran gave short, smart answers to Smurf which led her to believe that something had gone on but she wouldn't dare ask.
"So where are Pope and Baz? I'm surprised they haven't been around" She asked grabbing the head of lettuce and began tearing it up, she was on salad duty.
"Pope had taken Lena to the park after school and is dropping her off at her babysitters to spend the night with her daughter and Baz is probably off doing his own thing" There was a hint of something in her voice that Jessica couldn't make out. "But how are you Baby? I hope you are doing okay?"
It had been the same amount of time since she saw either of them though she was hoping that they were going to come around. Jessica wanted to see Lena considering she would have grown and been bigger by now. Pope and Baz on the other hand was another story, especially Baz.
"Like they tell us in rehab, one day at a time so that's what I'm doing. I feel really good about this though, I spent longer time healing myself and talking to people about my life"
Smurf had given her a look then lightly smiled. "I hope nothing that will backfire on us"
Jessica had really never pulled any jobs with the boys but at times would lend a hand or two if they needed it. She didn't mind it at all and would still get a cut whether she helped or not. The boys had to convince Smurf to at least give her a cut due to the fact that she was family.
"Would I ever sell this family out? I know better than to do such a thing. Besides, that would make me an accomplice considering I know everything that goes down. When are they doing their next job anyway?" She needed a little bit of money since she had to spend most of it going to rehab and bills.
Shrugging her shoulders Smurf wasn't entirely sure. "You'll have to ask them that one. They really don't talk to me as it is" Going for her purse, Smurf had dug through it and pulled out a couple of twenties. "Here, this should do in the meantime"
The blonde had paused when she reached for a knife to cut the tomatoes. Jessica wasn't sure why she was giving her money because she never did that. Looking away from it after a faint pause she shook her head heavily. "I don't need your money"
"Well if your brothers would have kept you in line I'm sure you would have a lot more than now. Trust me, that isn't much to me. Just take it; it will help you get your new apartment together"
Smurf had pushed the money towards the salad bowl and kept insisting on her daughter to take it. Jessica didn't want it even though she needed some. It was just the fact that she didn't want to take it because Smurf would probably expect it back when she didn't have it. Craig had stepped back into the kitchen from the backyard which made her slip it underneath the salad bowl.
"Are you guys almost done? I'm starving and Jess here looks like she could have a decent meal. Not some shitty meal that they cook in rehab. It's probably all vegan and healthy"
"Maybe if you went you would find out" She said back with a little annoyance. One thing Craig always did was nag on her for going to rehab. He never saw any reason to go but she knew that he needed it. Of course three of Smurf's children would need rehab.
"It will be done in about ten minutes. Why don't you go call your brothers again?" Smurf offered before turning back to the stove.
"Pope is on his way here, I can't get a hold of Baz, he won't pick up his phone"
There was a tang of disappointment that had filled Jessica's face but she focused back on the food. Craig had reached for some of it and she chased him out of the kitchen before he could steal anymore.
Once Smurf was done, Jessica had helped place all the food on the table in the backyard. It was Deran's job to turn the patio lights on as the sun was starting to set. She had sat at the head of the table of course as she was the Mother of them all. Craig and Jessica sat side by side while Deran and J sat on the opposite side.
"I'm not waiting for Pope, he can have whatever is left" Craig said reaching for the ribs that she had prepared. Everyone looked at him but he ignored their looks and carried on.
The rest of the Cody's had made their plates as well right as Pope came from inside and stood towards the edge of the pool. "Well look who it is…?"
Jessica had been taking a drink of water when she saw her older brother standing there. "I didn't believe it when Deran called me but I guess we're all full of surprises"
He had walked over and as she was standing up to greet him, he placed a hand on her shoulder and bent down to hug her. It was a strange hug but Pope wasn't really normal compared to everyone else. Jessica would actually be the second normal of the family probably following right behind Baz.
"So how long have you been out?" Smurf asked once everyone was settled and eating.
"I just got out yesterday. I had gotten the keys to my apartment today so I thought while I was out I would stop by. I thought it would be good for me. The place is by the beach so it's really not that far from here"
"So you live by Baz then?" Deran asked as he was the only one really close to the beach. Pope was as well but he didn't tell anyone where he was staying.
Jessica shook her head in disagreement. "If Mr. Hot Shot still lives in that house then no. I live much further down then where he is at"
"So you haven't heard from him?" Pope questioned looking at her. J had leaned forward a little taking a drink curious to what that was about. Pope had watched her intently staring at her across the table.
"No…Why would I? Last I saw any of you was almost a year ago…" Her voice had lingered and she was too busy looking down at her plate. He smirked a little at her words. There was once again more tension.
"I was just wondering if you saw Lena or not. She'll be here tomorrow if you want to stop by and see your niece"
Pope took his own drink but continued to keep his eyes on her. "Jesus, do you really have to stare at me from across the table? I answered no so let's just leave it at that"
Smurf had glanced between them before giving them a stern look. "What do I say about arguments at the table? If you both want to argue I suggest doing it someplace else…Besides, I thought you and your brother were supposed to be taking care of her?"
"She's how old now? I think Baz and I are a little grown to be watching over her"
One thing that Jessica hated was how Smurf insisted that Pope and Baz keep her in line. She was a grown woman and she could handle herself perfectly fine. Maybe she felt guilt over Julia; maybe she just didn't want her to do something stupid.
It was a little silent for the remainder of the dinner and once everyone was done, it was time for Smurf to take everyone's dishes and bring out the dessert. Jessica waited until she was completely in the home before asking a very serious question.
"So what's the next job? I don't want to sound like I'm desperate or anything but I need money until I can get my job back"
J had looked at her surprised that she had a job. He still didn't understand what her role was in the family because he wasn't sure if she helped them with anything.
Pope had begun staring at her again before answering. "A church. We're trying to layout everything before we go in completely"
"A church?" She reached for her glass of water and tipped it at all of them as if it was a salute. "Congrats, you're so going to go to hell for that one"
"Been there and back but it is what it is, right" Deran said before hearing Smurf's footsteps coming back out to the patio.
Nudging J, it was his time to say something to make things less suspicious. Their Mother wasn't in on the next one and Jessica could quickly pick up on that fact without even being told the truth. J felt his elbow hit his ribs and wasn't sure exactly what that meant but he figured what it was anyway.
"So do you guys have the same Dad?" He asked looking towards Deran. Smurf had been putting slices of her famous apple pie in front of all of them but she paused for a moment.
"It's the hair isn't it?" Jessica joked glancing at her plate before looking at J. She leaned a little on the table before speaking again. "Yeah, we have the same Dad but you can't ask us about him because he left before we could really develop any memory of him"
Smurf had taken her seat back at the same spot and agreed quickly. "The guy is a prick, it's simple as that"
Pope had scoffed out a faint laugh at the comment because he, Baz and Craig are the only ones who would remember him. Well Craig was still too young to get a complete feel of the guy but Pope could easily agree with her statement.
"We all have great Fathers, isn't that right Mom…" Craig said putting sarcasm on the last word. He took a large bite of his pie and smiled a closed smile.
Smurf had smiled back at him holding in many thoughts that ran through her head. J had to still wonder who his Dad was and it didn't hurt to ask. "Do you know who my Dad is?"
Deran and Pope had shifted their eyes and continued to eat their dessert. Smurf completely paused and placed her hand on top of J's. She had known that he was still curious but didn't want him to ask. Jessica had continued to chew her pie but did so slowly. With the shake of her head she spoke, "I'm not completely sure on that one. I didn't hang around with your Mom or Uncles back then"
"You are such a liar" Craig said taking a drink of his beer then looked at her. "It wasn't until you turned about sixteen…" Jessica had stomped on his foot hard under the table and that made him shut up, both Smurf and J looking at them curiously.
"Sorry I'm late but I'm glad to see you all started without me" Baz had come from the driveway and into the backyard. He had nodded at everyone and stood behind Smurf when he saw Jessica sitting there.
She had looked up after hearing his voice and stared at him for a moment. Looking back down, she rubbed her hands in her napkin. "I should really get going. I've got a lot to unpack and I don't want to be out late with my bike"
"You're going so soon Sweetie?" Smurf asked watching her daughter get up from the table.
Jessica nodded and grabbed her book bag that was at her feet. "You're still coming to my opening night tomorrow right?" Deran asked her since he had his first bar to open tomorrow.
"And you are coming by to see Lena?" Pope asked looking at Deran before glancing at her.
"Yeah, I'll stop here after school, just text me the time she gets out. And of course, I'm not going to miss my baby brother's big night" She said with a smile before moving around the table. "Thank you fr the dinner. I'll see you later"
Bending down to give her Mother a faint hug, Baz watched her. "I don't get a hello?" Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Jessica faintly smiled before giving him a hug as well.
It was something that was comforting to her but something she needed to get out of quickly. Looking at him for another moment, she waved goodbye to everyone and knew it was best to go back to her apartment.